THE SET UP - It's no secret that many fans come to Nitro Revival to partake in the largest legends autograph session anywhere. It seems fitting to open the event coverage with those who were part of the history we celebrate.

Linda Vaughan	ISKY
John Force	Don Prudhomme
Vance Hunt	"TV Tommy" Ivo
Steve Gibbs	Charlie Allen
Richard "The King" Tharp	Marvin "Who" Graham
Rob Bruins	Frank Bradley
Dennis Holding	Jim Fox
"Gentileman Joe" Schubeck	\  Al Bergler
Rahn Tobler	Don Ewald
Kenny Logan	Ed Pink
Herm "Northwest Terror" Petersen	Kenny Hirata
Gerry "The Hunter" Glenn	"Wild Bill" Shrewsberry
Gary Beck	"Waterbed Fred" Miller
Simon Menzies	Dan Richins
Brad Anderson	Kenny Youngblood
Maurice "Spider" Razon	Jim Walther
Gary Southern	Stan Adams
Ron Attebury	Jim London
Tom Cirello	Larry "Okie Smoker" Brown
Don Gaide	Bob "Floyd" Muravez
Carl Swift	Larry Bowers
Bones Balogh	Steve Porter
Merek Chertkow	Dave Jeffers
Art Carr	Danny "Buzz" Broussard
Gary Mallicoat	Danny Thompson
Alan Miller	Harry "Handgrenade" Hibler

Friday evening, after a day of load ins, set ups and bench racing, the now traditional IN-N-OUT burger on site rigs had lines forever.

Dave Densmore, Joyce Wynne (Bill’s ex), Susie Arnold (Dale Armstrong’s widow) and Dave Kommel,

Following the two truck IN-N-OUT food fest, family, friends and fellow racers filled the McLennan Foundation Hospitality Tent to remember and celebrate the lives of two giants of the sport, who passed away during the previous year.

Bill Schultz was a racer's racer, who had huge success in most everything he touched. From Top Gas in the 60's, Top Fuel in the 70's, and 80's, and Big Show Funny Cars in the 90's. He was local boy made good, as his racing career began at the nearby old San Gabriel strip. As the leader of the famed "Over The Hill Gang," Bill was inducted into the International Drag Racing Hall of Fame in 2015.

Dave McClelland was the most recognized voice in drag racing for over four decades. Even today, fans and racers alike continue to acknowledge Dave, and the late Steve Evans, as the finest and most influential broadcast duo drag racing ever experienced. Dave was more than a race announcer...he was the established Master of Ceremonies at all special motorsports events. His loss has been felt far and wide, and it's doubtful anyone can ever fill his shoes.

Added to the mix was a surprise, well deserved recognition of Eugene "Geno" Gastelum who has served, mostly in the shadows, the sport of drag racing for over 50 years. A special "Wally" trophy was presented to Geno on behalf of fans and friends.

As part of Welcome Night, this was a planned event by the Nitro Revival staff in cooperation with the families of those honored, and all in attendance were welcomed. Here are some photos that hopefully capture the laughs, tears and respect of the event.

Gibbs did a masterful job of honoring Geno. Many didn't know the story of his 50+ year hands on involvement in drag racing. He spent many years with NHRA and also took a lot of classic drag racing photos, mostly in Northern California.

After the accolades, Steve stunned Geno with a long overdue Wally. His emotions were palpable and everyone in attendance was emotional as well. Well deserved our friend.

Beckman then introduced the irrepressible and ageless Bob "Floyd" Muravez to share his memories of the late Bill Schultz.

The names "Schultz & Glenn" graced many a dragster, both top gas and top fuel. The Glenn half of the lasting partnership was Gerry "The Hunter". No remembrance to Bill would be complete without the memories of Gerry.

A now now-retired Greg Sharp knew Dave McClelland very well and was the perfect host to honor Big Mac.

First up was K J Jones who is an automotive journalist, has been tech editor of several Mustang and Ford publications and is currently Sr. Editor of Hot Rod. Very close friend of Dave McClelland.

Dave McClelland’s kids; Kevin McClelland, Melissa McClelland Knight, Michael McClelland

L-R: Brittiney McClelland, daughter-in-law of Mike McClelland, Dave’s widow Louise McClelland, and Mike’s daughter Sara McClelland.